3-Sulfopropyl acrylate potassium-based polyelectrolyte hydrogels: Sterilizable synthetic material for biomedical application

Hydrogels are extensively used in the biomedical field due to their highly valued properties, biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity and resistance to rheological stress. However, determining an efficient sterilization protocol that does not compromise the functional properties of hydrogels is one of the challenges researchers face when developing a material for a medical application. In this work, conventional sterilization methods (steam-, radiation- and gas sterilization) were investigated regarding the influence on the degree of swelling, mechanical performance and chemical effects on the poly 3-sulfopropyl acrylate potassium (pAESO₃) hydrogel, which is a promising representative for biomedical engineering applications. In summary, no significant changes in the gel properties were observed after sterilization, showing the potential of the selected hydrogel for biomedical applications.